"He was immediately taken to one of our medical facilities where he was treated by four consultants, including one in emergency medicine. He was transferred to St. Mary’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

"The organisers of the Virgin Money London Marathon would like to continue to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Berry and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them all at this difficult time".

Alex Prior, 25, was one of 36,000 runners taking part in the London Marathon today who battled 26 miles to make it to the finish line. However when he was just 200 metres from the end - he stopped to ask his girlfriend an important question.

Jess Seldon, 27, had been told Alex would pass by to give her a high five. Instead, Alex picked up a ring from his best friend waiting nearby before making his way over to her.

"She was completely surprised, I don't think she knew what I was doing," Alex said.

"I tried to get down on one knee, to be traditional, but it was obviously pretty difficult.

"It was fantastic, almost surreal - so much so that I had to text her at the end and ask if she meant to say 'yes'."